The Best Lego Sets Of 2011

10. Lego City Of Atlantis (Set 7985)

Lego Atlantis seems to be finishing up in 2011 so it seems only fair that Lego go out on a bang. The City Of Atlantis set is a great set – a playset no less (my favorite sets) with some very cool new pieces (column bricks!) and a whole lot of playability all for $69.95 retail.

With the temple, underwater vehicle and five minifigures it’s hard to believe this set is only 686 pieces.

9. Ninjago Fire Temple (Set 2507)

The Ninjago Fire temple oozes color and life.

If kids are into Ninjago (and it seems to be a very popular theme for Lego) then they love the Fire temple. This is the one set both my kids requested this year and they committed to purchasing it with their collective birthday money on the holidays.

Not only does the set come with seven cool minifigures and the large Fire Temple, it also comes complete with Kai’s awesome Fire Dragon. Weapons-wise this set is also very special because the legendary Dragon Sword of Fire is hidden in the temple and guarded by the Dragon.

Visually this set is stunning; the oranges, reds, yellows and blacks play off against the whites and blue. The temple comes with a number of printed pieces that represent Japanese style screens that enable fans to create their own Ninja temples in future.

7. Technic Mercedes Benz Unimog U400 (Set 8110)

The Unimog is a set that, if you take it in at a glance, you could easily dismiss and think “so what”.

But if you actually sit and look at it, I mean really look at it, you end up thinking “Wow. Just…wow!”.

In pictures it is hard to convey the awesomeness of the Unimog. To see this baby built and in action is another thing entirely. I’m not into Technic personally and neither of my kids are at the age that they can appreciate it, but when I really sat down and looked at the construction and operation of this set I was itching to get one, just for myself.

With 2048 pieces and at over 19 (48cm) long and 12 (30cm) high it is the largest Technic set built so far. It features Power Functions, working steering, 4wheel drive and suspension, a gear block for extreme ground clearance and a detailed engine with moving pistons.

Like it’s real-like counterpart the Lego Technic Unimog is solid with lots of bracing, so it isn’t going to come apart easily.

It’s the perfect set for a child who is showing an interest in engineering and a parent who wants to share some serious play time.

6. Master Builder Academy Kit 1 (Set 20200)

This is the first of a series of kits designed specifically to help kids improve their Lego building abilities. The whole Master Builder Academy is set up like a distance school for Lego.

As a parent I bought this set for my son but invariably had so much fun building both the sets and my own designs that I could happily recommend it for parents as well.

There are further kits available now via subscription on the Lego Shop At Home site but this kit does stand alone if you are curious.

This first kit comes with an extensive 84 page book which discusses the principles of the MBA, hints, tips and steps for building 3 different models, a unique minifigure, a brick separator and a sorting tray to keep all the pieces in.

Each book has a password to use on LEGOmba.com with access to the full Kit 1 experience including exclusive Master Builder videos, more building tips, the Space Designer gallery, and the first LEGO MBA skill test.

5. Queen Anne’s Revenge (Set 4195)

When it was announced that Lego would be making sets from the popular movie franchise Pirates Of the Caribbean, the set most sought after by fans was the legendary pirate ship The Black Pearl, owned by Captain Jack Sparrow.

Yet Lego opted for the lesser known vessel, Queen Anne’s Revenge (which is only featured in the latest movie On Stranger Tides), for their first foray into POTC Pirate ships.

However such was the popularity of this set with fans that when Lego finally released The Black Pearl later in 2011, most still preferred the Queen Anne’s Revenge.

Set 4195 comes with seven minifigures (nine if you include the skeletons) and is both a vehicle and a playset, with good guys, bad guys and a whole heap of play space and accessories. It also makes a beautiful display piece once play has finished for the day.

4. Diagon Alley (Set 10217)

The Harry Potter Lego theme has been one of the most popular of the last 10 years. Upon release of the final two films in the series, Lego had one last shot at the franchise which has captivated millions around the world.

The biggest and arguably one of the best Lego Harry Potter sets of the last 10 years was saved for this last wave, Diagon Alley.

With a set this big – 2025 pieces, twelve minifigures (many of them exclusive) and recommended for ages 14+, you know you are in for a great build and Diagon Alley doesn’t disappoint. The construction techniques and styles in the Diagon Alley set are unique, detailed and varied.

Given the age recommendation, Diagon Alley is wonderful set parents can build with young Harry Potter fans.

3. Pet Shop (Set 10218)

The Lego Modular sets are some of the most well-designed and well-loved in the history of Lego, especially with older fans. The level of detail in each building is astounding and makes both the construction process and display of each model a joy.

The fact that each successive model in the series can be joined together to create a long streetscape is an extra bonus.

The Pet Shop is 2011’s Modular Building and is a gorgeous contribution to the theme, actually made up of two apartment style buildings side by side.

Everything from the colors of the building and the architectural design to the pet shop feature makes the set highly appealing for younger fans who want to venture into more complex sets or for adults interested in a set to share with their children.

2. Earth Defense HQ (Set 7066)

I knew as soon as I saw images for this set it would become one of my favorite sets of the year. As soon as I had it in my hands however it became one of my all time favorite Lego sets.

I like to think it’s not just because it reminds me of the space sets I used to covet as a young girl -the blue space theme was a hit with many a kid who are now in their 30’s and 40’s. And the popularity of this set with my kids and other fans proves that this is a very special addition to the world of Lego.

With five minifigures, a UFO, mini-car, jet fighter and a two-part all-terrain HQ vehicle that acts both as a defence and research headquarters this set is full of life and incredibly fun.

1. Volkswagen T1 Camper (Set 10220)

Not only have the designers made the outside of the vehicle look just like a Volkswagen camper but miraculously the inside is full of space, character and quirk.

If you have ever tried to design a vehicle remotely like this with Lego you know how difficult it is to do. To make something of this caliber is pure genius.

Sure you could improve some areas.

A few design features could’ve been tweaked for authenticity but then you might a sacrifice stability instead. It’s a tightrope to walk and I think Lego have taken the right path here. Having said that the most obvious area for improvement is the stickers – really not appreciated for a set of this style, but still a minor quibble in the grand scheme.

Though if Lego decided to produce a range of large stickers with “Make Lego Models Not War!” printed on them I would be first in line to buy a box!